Aaahhhhh, summer in Vermont. Time for farmers markets and freshly picked fruit everywhere you look, and boy do we love it! Here are some of the best festivals in Vermont that are all about good times, good friends and, most importantly, GOOD FOOD! Whether you're a foodie or not, you'll love these 2016 festivals.
1. Vermont Dairy Festival - June 2nd - 5th, Enosburg Falls
The Lions Club, along with many local businesses, organizations, community leaders and dedicated individuals, work together for months to plan this annual festival. Since this year is the Vermont Dairy Festival's 60th anniversary, we'd say they are doing a GREAT job!
2. Annual Strawberry Festival - June 18th, Colchester
The Annual Strawberry Festival at Sam Mazza's Farm is a must if you like freshly picked strawberries still warm from the sun. Along with strawberry milkshakes, fudge, jam & chocolate-dipped strawberries, you'll love the pony rides, kids games, petting zoo, face painting & Vermont specialty food samples everywhere.
3. Burlington Wine & Food Festival – June 18, Burlington
Attention all foodies! The Burlington Wine & Food Festival highlights Vermont's farm to table movement and serves up culinary masterpieces paired with world class wines. Enjoy the spectacular views and live jazz while your taste buds explode. This event sells out so be sure to get tickets early!
4. Green Mountain BBQ & Music Festival - June 25 & 26, Waterbury
Waterbury’s Green Mountain BBQ & Music Festival features a national BBQ contest, live local music, food trucks, craft brews, family fun, and fireworks.
5. Vermont Brewers Festival – July 15-16, Burlington
If you're a beer lover, you'll love the Vermont Brewers Festival. Two full days of toasts, tastes and many discussions about hops, barley and more. Cheers!
6. Vermont Cheesemakers Festival – July 17, Shelburne
If you love Vermont cheeses (and who doesn't?) then this is a festival you won't want to miss. The 7th annual Vermont Cheesemakers' Festivalgathers over 40 passionate cheese makers and they share their passion for making fine cheeses as festival goers taste local and fresh foods and wines. Meet the artisans who make them and spend a beautiful summer day along the shores of Lake Champlain at the historic Shelburne Farms Coach Barn.
7. Vermont Blueberry Festival – July 29 – August 7, Wilmington
A whopping 10 days are dedicated to one of the most fun - and delicious - festivals in Vermont. The Vermont Blueberry Festival! You'll find fresh berries, vintage cars, music, and food... If it’s blue, it will probably be at this family-friendly festival in the Deerfield Valley this summer!
8. Addison County Fair and Field Days - August 9 - 13, New Haven
Vermont's largest agricultural fair, the Addison County Fair and Field Days has a children's barnyard, cattle judging, tractor pulls, kiddie rides, crafts, exhibits, live entertainment, pony and ox pulling, parade, youth activities, and for the food lover, a Vermont products dinner.
9. Kingdom Farm and Food Days - August 19th - 21st, East Burke
The Northeast Kingdom Farm & Food Days is a weekend long celebration of regional farms, local food, gardens, small producers, and agricultural businesses. Workshops, food and tours will be available to all attendees. All events are FREE, open to the public, and fun for all ages!
10. Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival - September 3rd and 4th, Bennington
Join garlic-lovers from throughout New England at the annual Southern Vermont Garlic & Herb Festival as they come to sample food and crafts from hundreds of different vendors, all made from -you guessed it - garlic and herbs!
11. 2nd Annual Lobster Feast - September 10, Plainfield
If you're a seafood fan, head over to the 2nd Annual Lobster Feast at the Onion River Campground. A indulgent night with as much fresh Maine lobster as you can eat along with coleslaw & corncobs, live music and camping.
12. Vermont Golden Honey Festival - September 10, Cavendish
You’ll have a buzzing ball at this small town free festival. Local crafters, artists and food purveyors showcase their products, especially those featuring honey or the honeybee. You’ll find just about everything here from knit hats to honey gin, handmade quilts to honey apple pizza, there is something for everyone at the Vermont Golden Honey Festival. Enjoy the music, raffles and kid’s activities.
13. Mac and Cheese Challenge – September 11, Windsor
Vermonter's love mac and cheese, and at the 4th annual Mac and Cheese Challenge, you will have the chance to sample all kinds of recipes and vote on your favorite. Buy your tickets early, they cap the attendance at 3,000 people and, yes, it sells out!
14. 19th Century Apple & Cheese Harvest Festival - September 25, Strafford
Celebrate Johnny Appleseed's birthday by making your own cider in an antique press and tasting a variety of heirloom apples, fine Vermont Artisan Cheeses, Vermont ice cream and homemade apple pie. You'll love the 19th Century Apple & Cheese Harvest Festival at the Justin Morrill State Historic Site.
15. Pumpkin & Apple Celebration - October 3 & 4, Woodstock
The classic Pumpkin & Apple Celebration is held at peak foliage at the stunning Billings Farm in Woodstock. Press your own apples, go pumpkin bowling and much more at this festival chock full of hands on activities and tastings.
16. Vermont Maple Festival, April 2017
OK, the next Maple Festival isn't until 2017, but it's SO good we'd be remiss not to mention it here. The annual Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans has been bringing the downtown area alive since 1967. From tasting to parades, this is a favorite event that no one should miss.
There is simply no better place for summer festivals than Vermont. Mark your calendars today!
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